Match Report

Mid Ulster intermediate A

Dollingstown 2Fivemiletown 0

2 second half goals by Dollingstown saw the home side crowned Champions on a bitterly disappointing day for Fivemiletown.

Fivemiletown, at kick off went into the game knowing that a win would keep their own title challenge alive. And it was the Valley men who started the brighter. Playing a 3-5-2 formation, a back 3 of Anderson, McNulty and Trotter looked solid in front of the man of the match Adam McDonald. Chris McDowell and Ivan Carson on the wings got plenty of the ball early as the away side got off to a solid start. A left wing cross by McDowell was met by Gillespie on 13 minutes. His improvised flick from 18 yards produced a magnificent save from Croft in goal. Nathan Sherry stung the hands of the home keeper a few minutes later before the home side started to edge their way into the game. McCordick, the Dollybirds talisman, was a constant threat for the Champions elect, with some clever balls in behind the back 3 which both of his wingers were unable to take advantage of.

0-0 at half time and it was the away team who felt unlucky not to be in front. However, 4 minutes into the second half, and with a strong wind at their back, the home team took the lead. A long ball over the top eluded the Fivemiletown rear-guard and a cross come shot found its way into the bottom corner. Fivemiletown responded with an excellent attack down the right, with Williamson and Carson linking up well. The latter delivered a fierce cross which was met by a fizzing volley by McDowell whose strike just missed the far post.

65 minutes saw the experienced Baron replace Trotter as the away side pushed. A clinical finish by McCordick on 76 minutes killed the game, however, when the striker dinked his finish over the advancing McDonald having been given far too much room in the box.

Fivemiletown continued to attack, and Lee McNulty saw a towering header cleared off the line as the home team sat back and defended their lead. The last action of the game was Ivan Carson receiving his marching orders for a silly reaction to an innocuous challenge.

Fivemiletown United players gracefully applauded as the home side lifted the trophy at the end of the game, and were appreciative of the kind remarks regarding their own excellent season.

“We missed key men today. Suspensions and unavailability didn’t help us on the day. We were the better side, but, as has been the case, individual errors were made, and were punished” said manager Robinson.

The Valley men have 3 games remaining and are still fighting for 2nd place in the table, and play Moneyslane next Saturday. All support welcome. Details on the fixture can be found on the website, Facebook and in the local press.